Systems, devices, methods, and compositions including fluidized x-ray shielding compositions

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an x-ray shielding system including a flexible layer including a support structure having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluid composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/373,139, filed Nov. 3, 2011 and titled “SYSTEMS, DEVICES, METHODS,AND COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING FLUIDIZED X-RAY SHIELDING COMPOSITIONS,” thecontents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,an x-ray shielding fluid composition including a plurality of x-rayshielding particles, each having at least a first x-ray shielding agentand a second x-ray shielding agent, and a carrier fluid. In anembodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or moreabsorption edges different from the first x-ray shielding agent. In anembodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particles includes a secondx-ray having one or more characteristic x-ray absorption edges differentfrom the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-rayshielding agent includes one or more k-edges, or one or more l-edges,different from the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, theplurality of x-ray shielding particles includes a second x-ray having anx-ray mass attenuation coefficient different from the first x-rayshielding agent. In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles include a second x-ray having at least one k-edge having anenergy level lower than at least one k-edge of the first x-ray shieldingagent In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particlesinclude a second x-ray having at least one k-edge or l-edgecorresponding to an x-ray energy absorption minimum of the first x-rayshielding agent.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,an x-ray shielding fluid composition including at least a first x-rayshielding agent and a second x-ray shielding agent, the second x-rayshielding agent having one or more absorption edges different from thefirst x-ray shielding agent, and a carrier fluid. In an embodiment, thex-ray shielding fluid composition includes a third x-ray shielding agenthaving one or more absorption edges different from the second x-rayshielding agent and the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment,the x-ray shielding fluid composition includes a fourth x-ray shieldingagent, the fourth x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorptionedges different from the third x-ray shielding, the second x-rayshielding agent, and the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment,the x-ray shielding fluid composition includes a fifth x-ray shieldingagent, the fifth x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorptionedges different from the fourth x-ray shielding agent, the third x-rayshielding, the second x-ray shielding agent, and the first x-rayshielding agent.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,dynamic x-ray shielding garments (e.g., aprons, coats, eye protectors,gloves, neck protectors, pants, scrub caps, shirts, skirts, sleeves,socks, surgical scrubs, vests, etc.) including at least a first layerincluding a support structure having a plurality of interconnectedinterstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-rayshielding fluid composition. In an embodiment, the support structure isconfigured to constrain the x-ray shielding fluid composition to movealong one or more of the plurality of interconnected interstitialspaces. In an embodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment includes atleast one x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly including one or morex-ray shielding fluid reservoirs. In an embodiment, the x-ray shieldingfluid reservoir assembly is structured and arranged to hold the x-rayshielding fluid composition and to selectively enable fluidcommunication between one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs andthe plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces. In an embodiment,the dynamic x-ray shielding garment includes an x-ray shielding fluidsupply controller operable to manage fluid flow of the x-ray shieldingfluid composition to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoirassembly, and along one or more of the plurality of interconnectedinterstitial spaces.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a dynamic x-ray shielding method including receiving x-ray potentialexposure event data associated with delivery of an x-ray radiationstimulus from an x-ray radiation-emitting system. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding method includes directing fluid flow of an x-rayshielding fluid composition received in an x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly associated with a dynamic x-ray shielding garment, toor from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir, and along one or more of aplurality of interconnected interstitial spaces within the dynamic x-rayshielding garment, responsive to the x-ray potential exposure eventdata.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,an x-ray shielding method including actuating fluid flow of an x-rayshielding fluid composition received in one or more x-ray shieldingfluid reservoirs associated with a dynamic x-ray shielding garment, toor from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir, and along one or more of aplurality of interconnected interstitial spaces within the dynamic x-rayshielding garment responsive to a determination that an x-rayradiation-emitting system is in operation.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,an x-ray shielding method including actuating fluid flow of an x-rayshielding fluid composition received in one or more x-ray shieldingfluid reservoirs associated with a dynamic x-ray shielding garment, toor from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir, and along one or more of aplurality of interconnected interstitial spaces within the dynamic x-rayshielding garment responsive to an input associated with a potentialdelivery of an x-ray radiation stimulus from an x-ray radiation-emittingsystem.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a dynamic x-ray shielding system including an x-ray shielding fluidreservoir configured to store and supply at least a first x-rayshielding fluid composition and a second x-ray shielding fluidcomposition. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding systemincludes at least a first layer including a first flow path in fluidcommunication with the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly andconfigured to receive the first x-ray shielding fluid composition. In anembodiment, the first flow path includes a first flow valve assemblyselectively actuatable between an open state which permits fluid flowthrough the first flow valve assembly such that the first x-rayshielding fluid composition flows from the x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly along at least a portion of the first flow path, anda restrict state which restricts fluid flow through the first flow valveassembly.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system includes a secondlayer including a second flow path in fluid communication with the x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly and configured to receive the secondx-ray shielding fluid composition. In an embodiment, the second flowpath includes a second flow valve assembly selectively actuatablebetween an open state which permits fluid flow through the second flowvalve assembly such that the second x-ray shielding fluid compositionflows from the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly along at least aportion of the first flow path, and a restrict state which restrictsfluid flow through the second flow valve assembly.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system includes an x-rayshielding fluid supply controller associated with at least the firstflow valve assembly and the second flow valve assembly and configured toselectively actuate the first or the second flow valve assembly toregulate fluid flow of a defined quantity of at least one of the firstx-ray shielding fluid composition or the second x-ray shielding fluidcomposition from the reservoir, through at least one of the first flowvalve or the second flow valve, into the at least a portion of the firstflow path or the second flow path.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a dynamic x-ray shielding method including receiving x-ray potentialexposure event data associated with delivery of an x-ray radiationstimulus from an x-ray radiation-emitting system. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding method includes concurrent or sequentialactuating fluid flow of a first x-ray shielding fluid composition or thesecond x-ray shielding fluid, received in an x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly, to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir andalong respectively one of a first flow path or a second flow path of adynamic x-ray shielding apparatus, responsive to potential exposureevent data indicative of an x-ray potential exposure event.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things,a dynamic x-ray shielding method including determining an actuate flowcondition. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding method includesconcurrent or sequential actuating fluid flow of a first x-ray shieldingfluid composition or the second x-ray shielding fluid, received in aplurality of x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs, to or from the pluralityof x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs and along respectively one of afirst flow path or a second flow path of a dynamic x-ray shieldingapparatus, responsive to the actuate flow condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Medical systems (e.g., fluoroscopy systems, computed tomography systems,radiography systems, radiation treatment systems, x-ray imaging system,etc.) are valuable diagnostics and treatment tools in medical practice.Likewise, cabinet x-ray systems (e.g., closed x-ray systems, x-rayinspection systems, x-ray screening systems, x-ray security systems,baggage x-ray systems, etc.) are useful tools for detection ofcontraband, contaminants, or manufacturing defects without damaging ordestroying the item being examined.

Exposure to radiation may cause cancer (especially leukemia), birthdefects in the children of exposed parents and cataracts. These healtheffects (excluding genetic effects) have been observed in studies ofmedical radiologists, uranium miners, radium workers, and radiotherapypatients who have received large doses of radiation. Studies ofradiation effects on laboratory animals have provided a large body ofdata on radiation health effects including genetic effects. Most of thestudies mentioned above involve acute exposure to high levels ofradiation. Acute exposure can be, for example, exposure to hundreds ofrem (Röentgen equivalent in man) within a few hours or less. Suchradiation doses far exceed the occupational dose limits currentlyrecommended (less than 5 rem per year). However, the major concernstoday are about delayed health effects arising from chronic cumulativeexposure to radiation.

The major health concern from chronic cumulative exposure to radiationis cancer which may appear 5 to 20 years after exposure to relativelylow levels of radiation. The current limits for radiation exposure setby the FDA for adults are: 50 mSv (millisieverts) (5 rems) per year and30 mSv (3 rems) per single dose.(http://tech.mit.edu/Bulletins/Radiation/rad5.txt). For children, whoare more vulnerable to radiation, the limits are 5 mSv (0.5 rems)annually and 3 mSv (0.3 rems) per single dose. A lifetime occupationalexposure level of no greater than 400 mSv (40 rems) is recommended bygovernment agencies (Hall et al., Canadian Fam. Physician 52: 976-77,2006). Compliance with these radiation exposure limits is complicated bythe lack of cumulative radiation exposure data, especially in regard tolifetime exposure limits. Also the increased usage of computedtomography scans for medical imaging (Brenner and Hall, N. Engl. J. Med.357: 2277-84, 2007) has created a need for monitoring, x-ray shielding,and protecting against a radiation exposure event to avoid exceedingexposure limits.

X-ray shielding fluid compositions are described with which one or moremethodologies or technologies can be implemented such as, for example,providing x-ray shielding and protection. Factors affecting theradiation amount or dose received from an x-ray source include theexposure time, the distance from x-ray source, the utilization of x-rayshielding, or the like. The type and amount of material to attenuate(shield) x-ray radiation is dependent upon the energy of the x rays, thematerial's chemical composition, and the material's density.

In an embodiment, an x-ray shielding fluid composition includes aplurality of x-ray shielding particles and a carrier fluid. Non-limitingexamples of particles include glass beads having one or more x-rayshielding agents, nanoparticles having a plurality of shielding agentswithin a glass material matrix, particles having a plurality ofelemental dopants within a material matrix, or the like. In anembodiment, each of the x-ray shielding particles includes at least afirst x-ray shielding agent and a second x-ray shielding agent. In anembodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particles includes a thirdx-ray shielding agent, the third x-ray shielding agent having one ormore absorption edges different from the second x-ray shielding agentand the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the plurality ofx-ray shielding particles includes a fourth x-ray shielding agent, thefourth x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the third x-ray shielding agent, the second x-rayshielding agent, and the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment,the plurality of x-ray shielding particles includes a fifth x-rayshielding agent, the fifth x-ray shielding agent having one or moreabsorption edges different from the fourth x-ray shielding agent, thethird x-ray shielding agent, the second x-ray shielding agent, and thefirst x-ray shielding agent.

In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or moreabsorption edges different from the first x-ray shielding agent. In anembodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or morecharacteristic x-ray absorption edges different from the first x-rayshielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agentincludes one or more k-edges, or one or more l-edges, different from thefirst x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-rayshielding agent includes an x-ray mass attenuation coefficient differentfrom the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-rayshielding agent includes at least one k-edge having an energy levellower than at least one k-edge of the first x-ray shielding agent. In anembodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes at least onek-edge or l-edge corresponding to an x-ray energy absorption minimum ofthe first x-ray shielding agent.

In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particles includesone or more x-ray radio-opaque materials (e.g., barium sulfate, siliconcarbide, silicon nitride, alumina, zirconia, etc.). In an embodiment,the plurality of x-ray shielding particles includes one or more x-rayattenuating materials. In an embodiment, the plurality of x-rayshielding particles includes one or more x-ray attenuating ceramicmaterials.

In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particles compriseone or ferromagnetic materials. Ferromagnetic materials include thosematerials having a Curie temperature, above which thermal agitationdestroys the magnetic coupling giving rise to the alignment of theelementary magnets (electron spins) of adjacent atoms in a lattice(e.g., a crystal lattice). In an embodiment, one or more of theplurality of x-ray shielding particles include one or more ferromagnets.Among ferromagnetic materials, examples include, but are not limited to,crystalline ferromagnetic materials, ferromagnetic oxides, materialshaving a net magnetic moment, materials having a positive susceptibilityto an external magnetic field, non-conductive ferromagnetic materials,non-conductive ferromagnetic oxides, ferromagnetic elements (e.g.,cobalt, gadolinium, iron, or the like), rare earth elements,ferromagnetic metals, ferromagnetic transition metals, materials thatexhibit magnetic hysteresis, and the like, and alloys or mixturesthereof.

Further examples of ferromagnetic materials include, but are not limitedto, chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), dysprosium (Dy), europium(Eu), gadolinium (Gd), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), neodymium (Nd), nickel(Ni), yttrium (Y), and the like. Further examples of ferromagneticmaterials include, but are not limited to, chromium dioxide (CrO₂),copper ferrite (CuOFe₂O₃), europium oxide (EuO), iron(II, III) oxide(FeOFe₂O₃), iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), magnesium ferrite (MgOFe₂O₃),manganese ferrite (MnOFe₂O₃), nickel ferrite (NiOFe₂O₃),yttrium-iron-garnet (Y₃Fe₅O₁₂), and the like. Further examples offerromagnetic materials include, but are not limited to, manganesearsenide (MnAs), manganese bismuth (MnBi), manganese (III) antimonide(MnSb), Mn—Zn ferrite, neodymium alloys, neodymium, Ni—Zn ferrite, andsamarium-cobalt.

In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles include at least one iron oxide. Among iron oxides, examplesinclude, but are not limited to, copper ferrite (CuOFe₂O₃), iron(II,III) oxide (FeOFe₂O₃), iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), magnesium ferrite(MgOFe₂O₃), manganese ferrite (MnOFe₂O₃), nickel ferrite (NiOFe₂O₃),yttrium-iron-garnet (Y₃Fe₅O₁₂), ferric oxides, ferrous oxides, and thelike. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles include at least one iron oxide. Among iron oxides, examplesinclude, but are not limited to, copper ferrite (CuOFe₂O₃), iron(II,III) oxide (FeOFe₂O₃), iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), magnesium ferrite(MgOFe₂O₃), manganese ferrite (MnOFe₂O₃), nickel ferrite (NiOFe₂O₃),yttrium-iron-garnet (Y₃Fe₅O₁₂), ferric oxides, ferrous oxides, and thelike. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles are configured to include one or more magnetic components.

In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particles compriseone or ferrimagnetic materials. In an embodiment, one or more of theplurality of x-ray shielding particles include one or more ferrimagnets(e.g., soft ferrites, hard ferrites, or the like). Among ferrimagneticmaterials, examples include, but are not limited to, ferrimagneticoxides (e.g., ferrites, garnets, or the like). Further examples offerrimagnetic materials include ferrites with a general chemical formulaof AB₂O₄ (e.g., CoFe₂O₄, MgFe₂O₄, ZnFe₂O₄) where A and B representvarious metal cations. In an embodiment, A is Mg, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, orFe(II); B is Al, Cr(III), Mn(III) or Fe(III), and O is oxygen. In anembodiment, A is a divalent atom of radius ranging from about 80 pm toabout 110 pm (e.g., Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, or the like), B is a trivalentatom of radius ranging from about 75 pm to about 90 pm, (e.g., Al, Fe,Co, Ti, or the like), and O is oxygen. Further examples of ferrimagneticmaterials include iron ferrites with a general chemical formula MOFe₂O₃(e.g., CoFe₂O₄, Fe₃O₄, MgFe₂O₄, or the like) where M is a divalent ionsuch as Fe, Co, Cu, Li, Mg, Ni, or Zn.

Further examples of ferromagnetic materials include materials having amagnetization compensation point, materials that are associated with apartial cancellation of antiferromagnetically aligned magneticsublattices with different values of magnetic moments, or materialhaving different temperature dependencies of magnetization. See e.g.,Kageyama et al., Weak Ferrimagnetism, Compensation Point, andMagnetization Reversal in Ni(HCOO)₂.2H₂O, Physical Rev. B, 224422(2003). In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particlescomprises one or more paramagnetic materials.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes at least one material that absorbsx-rays at one or more frequencies and fluoresce x-rays at one or morelower frequencies. In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes at leastone of boron, molybdenum, neodymium, niobium, strontium, tungstenyttrium, or zirconium, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, atleast one of the first x-ray shielding agent or the second x-rayshielding agent includes at least one of barium sulfate (BaSO₄), boronnitride (BN), boron carbide (B₄C), boron oxide (B₂O₃), or barium oxide(BaO). In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agentor the second x-ray shielding agent includes at least one of strontiumoxide (SrO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). In anembodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes one or more SiO₂—PbO-alkali metaloxide glasses, CaO—SrO—B₂O₃ glasses, or boron-lithium glasses. In anembodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes borated high density polyethylene.In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes at least one of mylar (C₁₀H₈O₄),parylene-C (C₈H₇Cl), parylene-N (C₈H₈), poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), polycarbonate (C₁₆H₁₄O₃), polyethylene, or ultra high molecularweight polyethylene. In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes siliconnitride (Si₃N₄). In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes at leastone of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), lithium fluoride (LiF), tantalum (Ta),or tungsten (W). In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes teflon(C₂F₄).

In an embodiment, the carrier fluid ranges from about 1 to about 98volume percent of the total volume of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition. In an embodiment, an x-ray shielding fluid compositionincludes a carrier fluid including a fluid material having one or morex-ray absorption edges. In an embodiment, the carrier fluid includes afluid material having one or more x-ray absorption edges different fromthe second x-ray shielding agent and the first x-ray shielding agent. Inan embodiment, the carrier fluid includes a fluid material having one ormore x-ray absorption edges different from the second x-ray shieldingagent and the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the carrierfluid includes a fluid that is substantially non-volatile, non-polar, ornon-aqueous. In an embodiment, the carrier fluid includes mineral oil,paraffin oil, cycloparaffin oil, or synthetic hydrocarbon oil. In anembodiment, the carrier fluid includes a gas carrier. In an embodiment,the carrier fluid includes an aerosol. In an embodiment, the carrierfluid includes two or more immiscible liquids.

In an embodiment, an x-ray shielding fluid composition includes one ormore anti-flocculant agents. In an embodiment, the anti-flocculantagents adsorb onto the x-ray shielding particle surface, increasing thex-ray shielding particle electrostatic repulsion. The increasedelectrostatic repulsion of like charged x-ray shielding particlesdecreases the occurrence of x-ray shielding particle aggregates. In anembodiment the addition of anti-flocculant agents enhanced stability ofthe x-ray shielding fluid composition. In an embodiment, at least someof the plurality of x-ray shielding particles are coated with ananti-flocculant coating.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid composition includes atleast a first x-ray shielding agent and a second x-ray shielding agent,the second x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the first x-ray shielding agent, and a carrier fluid. Inan embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or morecharacteristic x-ray absorption edges different from the first x-rayshielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agentincludes one or more k-edges, or one or more l-edges, different from thefirst x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-rayshielding agent includes an x-ray mass attenuation coefficient differentfrom the first x-ray shielding agent.

In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes at least onek-edge having an energy level lower than at least one k-edge of thefirst x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, at least one of the firstx-ray shielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes atleast one of lead (Pb), lithium fluoride (LiF), tantalum (Ta), ortungsten (W). In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes teflon(C₂F₄).

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid composition includes a thirdx-ray shielding agent, the third x-ray shielding agent having one ormore absorption edges different from the second x-ray shielding agentand the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the x-rayshielding fluid composition includes a fourth x-ray shielding agent, thefourth x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the third x-ray shielding, the second x-ray shieldingagent, and the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the x-rayshielding fluid composition includes a fifth x-ray shielding agent, thefifth x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the fourth x-ray shielding agent, the third x-rayshielding, the second x-ray shielding agent, and the first x-rayshielding agent.

FIGS. 1 through 4 show a dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includingone or more dynamic x-ray shielding devices 102, in which one or moremethodologies or technologies can be implemented such as, for example,providing x-ray shielding, x-ray radiation protection, or the like. Inan embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 forms part of adynamic x-ray shielding garment 104. In an embodiment, the x-rayshielding system 100 includes one or more dynamic x-ray shieldingdevices 102 having at least a flexible layer 106 including a supportstructure 108 having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces110 that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluidcomposition. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100includes one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assemblies 112including one or more reservoirs 114 configured to store and supply anx-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-ray shielding agentreservoir 114, and along one or more of the plurality of interconnectedinterstitial space 110.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes one ormore pump assemblies 116 including one or more pumps 117 (e.g.,mechanical pumps, magnetic pumps, centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps,gear pumps, flexible impeller pumps, peristaltic pumps, piston pumps,rotary valve pumps, etc.) that circulates the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition within at least a portion of the circulation network. Forexample, in an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100includes an x-ray shielding fluid composition pump assembly 116 that isin fluid communication with at least one of the x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly 112 or the circulation network and that supplies andcirculates the x-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-rayshielding agent reservoir assembly 112, and along one or more regionswithin the circulation network. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-rayshielding garment 104 includes one or more pumps 117 that configured togenerate magnetic forces on magnetic components of the x-ray shieldingfluid composition to circulate the x-ray shielding fluid composition toor from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir assembly 112, and along oneor more regions within the circulation network

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding devices 102 includes oneor more pumps 117 that circulate the x-ray shielding fluid compositionwithin at least a portion of the circulation network. In an embodiment,the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes one or more flow valveassemblies 118, including one or more flow valves 119, that areselectively actuatable between an open state which permits fluid flowthrough the one or more valve assemblies 118 such that the x-rayshielding fluid composition flows from the x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly 112 along at least a portion of a flow path, and arestrict state which restricts fluid flow through the assembly 118.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes one ormore flow valves 119 to selectively direct flow of the x-ray shieldingfluid composition to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir 114. Inan embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes one ormore flow valves 119 to selectively direct flow of the x-ray shieldingfluid composition within the circulation network.

In an embodiment, dynamic x-ray shielding devices 102 includes supportstructure 108 configured to constrain the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition to move along one or more of the plurality of interconnectedinterstitial spaces 110. In an embodiment, the support structure 108defines one or more tubular structures (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5)forming part of the plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces 110that provide the circulation network for the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition. In an embodiment, the support structure 108 comprises oneor more x-ray shielding agents. In an embodiment, the support structure108 comprises one or more x-ray radio-opaque materials. In anembodiment, the support structure 108 comprises one or more x-rayattenuating materials. In an embodiment, the support structure 108comprises one or more x-ray attenuating ceramic materials.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shieldingdevice 102 includes at least a first layer 202 including one on moreflow paths in fluid communication with the x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly 112 and configured to receive a first x-ray shieldingfluid composition. Flow paths can take a variety of shapes,configurations, and geometric forms including regular or irregular formsand can have a cross-section of substantially any shape including, amongothers, circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, regular orirregular shapes, or the like, as well as other symmetrical andasymmetrical shapes, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the flowpaths includes one or more interstitial spaces configured to receive thex-ray shielding fluid composition, and to provide the circulationnetwork for the x-ray shielding fluid composition.

In an embodiment, the first flow path includes a first flow valveassembly 108 a selectively actuatable between an open state whichpermits fluid flow through the first flow valve assembly 108 a such thatthe first x-ray shielding fluid composition flows from the x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 along at least a portion of thefirst flow path, and a restrict state which restricts fluid flow throughthe first flow valve assembly 108 a and along the first flow path.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 includes asecond layer 206 including a second flow path in fluid communicationwith the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 and configured toreceive the second x-ray shielding fluid composition, the second flowpath including a second flow valve assembly 118 b selectively actuatablebetween an open state which permits fluid flow through the second flowvalve assembly 118 b such that the second x-ray shielding fluidcomposition flows from the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112along at least a portion of the first flow path, and a restrict statewhich restricts fluid flow through the second flow valve assembly 118 b.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 includes athird layer 210 including a third flow path in fluid communication withthe x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 and configured toreceive the third x-ray shielding fluid composition, the third flow pathincluding a third flow valve assembly selectively actuatable between anopen state which permits fluid flow through the third flow valveassembly such that the third x-ray shielding fluid composition flowsfrom the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 along at least aportion of the first flow path, and a restrict state which restrictsfluid flow through the third flow valve assembly.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first flow path or the second flowpath includes one or more tubular structures. In an embodiment, at leastone of the first flow path or the second flow path includes one or morerecirculation tubular structures in fluid communication with the x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 and operable to distribute atleast one of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition or the secondx-ray shielding fluid composition through at least a portion of thefirst flow path or the second flow path. In an embodiment, at least oneof the first layer 202 or the second layer 206 comprises one or morex-ray shielding agents. In an embodiment, at least one of the firstlayer 202 or the second layer 206 comprises one or more x-rayradio-opaque materials. In an embodiment, at least one of the firstlayer 202 or the second layer 206 comprises one or more x-rayattenuating materials. In an embodiment, at least one of the first layer202 or the second layer 206 comprises one or more x-ray attenuatingceramic materials.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes one ormore x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114 configured to store and supplyat least a first x-ray shielding fluid composition and a second x-rayshielding fluid composition. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-rayshielding device 102 includes at least one x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly 112 including one or more x-ray shielding fluidreservoirs 114. In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid reservoirassembly 112 is structured and arranged to hold the x-ray shieldingfluid composition and to selectively enable fluid communication betweenone or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs and the plurality ofinterconnected interstitial spaces 110.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes anx-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 that is operable to managefluid flow of the x-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-rayshielding agent reservoir assembly 112, and along one or more of theplurality of interconnected interstitial space 110. In an embodiment,the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114 include at least afirst x-ray shielding fluid composition and a second x-ray shieldingfluid composition. In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding fluidcomposition comprises one or more x-ray shielding agents different fromthose of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition. In an embodiment,the second x-ray shielding fluid composition comprises one or more x-rayshielding agents having one or more absorption edges different fromthose of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition. In an embodiment,the second x-ray shielding fluid composition comprises one or more x-rayshielding agents having one or more characteristic x-ray absorptionedges different from those of the first x-ray shielding fluidcomposition.

In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114include at least a first x-ray shielding fluid composition and a secondx-ray shielding fluid composition, the second x-ray shielding fluidcomposition comprises one or more x-ray shielding agents having one ormore k-edges, or one or more l-edges, different from those of the firstx-ray shielding fluid composition. In an embodiment, the second x-rayshielding fluid composition comprises one or more x-ray shielding agentshaving one or more x-ray mass attenuation coefficients different fromthose of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition. In an embodiment,the second x-ray shielding fluid composition comprises one or more x-rayshielding agents having at least one k-edge having an energy level lowerthan at least one k-edge of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition.In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding fluid composition comprisesone or more x-ray shielding agents different from those of the secondx-ray shielding fluid composition and the first x-ray shielding fluidcomposition.

In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114include an x-ray shielding fluid composition having a plurality of x-rayshielding particles, each including one or more x-ray shielding agents,and a carrier fluid. In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles includes one or more x-ray radio-opaque materials. In anembodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particles includes one ormore x-ray attenuating materials. In an embodiment, the plurality ofx-ray shielding particles includes one or more x-ray attenuating ceramicmaterials. In an embodiment, the plurality of x-ray shielding particlesincludes one or more x-ray absorbers. In an embodiment, the plurality ofx-ray shielding particles include one or more x-ray scatteringmaterials. In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shieldingagent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes at least one ofboron, molybdenum, neodymium, niobium, strontium, tungsten yttrium, orzirconium, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes at least one of barium sulfate(BaSO₄), boron nitride (BN), boron carbide (B₄C), boron oxide (B₂O₃), orbarium oxide (BaO). In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes at leastone of strontium oxide (SrO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or zirconium dioxide(ZrO₂). In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shieldingagent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or moreSiO₂—PbO-alkali metal oxide glasses, CaO—SrO—B₂O₃ glasses, orboron-lithium glasses. In an embodiment, at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes boratedhigh density polyethylene. In an embodiment, at least one of the firstx-ray shielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agent includes atleast one of mylar (C₁₀H₈O₄), parylene-C (C₈H₇Cl), parylene-N (C₈H₈),poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (C₁₆H₁₄O₃),polyethylene, or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. In anembodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes silicon nitride (Si₃N₄). In anembodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes at least one of lead (Pb), lithiumfluoride (LiF), tantalum (Ta), or tungsten (W). In an embodiment, atleast one of the first x-ray shielding agent or the second x-rayshielding agent includes teflon (C₂F₄). In an embodiment, at least oneof the first x-ray shielding agent or the second x-ray shielding agentincludes lead (II) oxide (PbO). In an embodiment, the carrier fluidcomprises about 1 to about 98 volume percent of the total volume of thex-ray shielding fluid composition.

In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114include an x-ray shielding fluid composition having a plurality of x-rayshielding particles, each having at least a first x-ray shielding agentand a second x-ray shielding agent, the second x-ray shielding agenthaving one or more absorption edges different from the first x-rayshielding agent, and a carrier fluid. In an embodiment, the second x-rayshielding agent includes one or more characteristic x-ray absorptionedges different from the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment,the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or more k-edges, or one ormore l-edges, different from the first x-ray shielding agent. In anembodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes an x-ray massattenuation coefficient different from the first x-ray shielding agent.In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes at least onek-edge having an energy level lower than at least one k-edge of thefirst x-ray shielding agent.

In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114include an x-ray shielding fluid composition having a plurality of x-rayshielding particles having at least a third x-ray shielding agent, thethird x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the second x-ray shielding agent and the first x-rayshielding agent. In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluidreservoirs 114 include an x-ray shielding fluid composition having aplurality of x-ray shielding particles having at least a fourth x-rayshielding agent, the fourth x-ray shielding agent having one or moreabsorption edges different from the third x-ray shielding agent, thesecond x-ray shielding agent, and the first x-ray shielding agent. In anembodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114 includean x-ray shielding fluid composition having a plurality of x-rayshielding particles having at least a fifth x-ray shielding agent, thefifth x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the fourth x-ray shielding agent, the third x-rayshielding agent, the second x-ray shielding agent, and the first x-rayshielding agent.

In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114include an x-ray shielding fluid composition having at least a firstx-ray shielding agent and a second x-ray shielding agent, the secondx-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edges different fromthe first x-ray shielding agent, and a carrier fluid. In an embodiment,the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or more characteristicx-ray absorption edges different from the first x-ray shielding agent.In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agent includes one or morek-edges, or one or more l-edges, different from the first x-rayshielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-ray shielding agentincludes an x-ray mass attenuation coefficient different from the firstx-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the second x-ray shieldingagent includes at least one k-edge having an energy level lower than atleast one k-edge of the first x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment,at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or the second x-rayshielding agent includes at least one of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb),lithium fluoride (LiF), tantalum (Ta), or tungsten (W). In anembodiment, at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent or thesecond x-ray shielding agent includes teflon (C₂F₄).

In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114include an x-ray shielding fluid composition having a third x-rayshielding agent, the third x-ray shielding agent having one or moreabsorption edges different from the second x-ray shielding agent and thefirst x-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the one or more x-rayshielding fluid reservoirs 114 include an x-ray shielding fluidcomposition having a fourth x-ray shielding agent, the fourth x-rayshielding agent having one or more absorption edges different from thethird x-ray shielding, the second x-ray shielding agent, and the firstx-ray shielding agent. In an embodiment, the one or more x-ray shieldingfluid reservoirs 114 include an x-ray shielding fluid composition havinga fifth x-ray shielding agent, the fifth x-ray shielding agent havingone or more absorption edges different from the fourth x-ray shieldingagent, the third x-ray shielding, the second x-ray shielding agent, andthe first x-ray shielding agent.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes anx-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 associated with one or moreflow valve assemblies 116 and configured to selectively actuate the oneor more flow valve assemblies 118 to regulate fluid flow of a definedquantity of x-ray shielding fluid composition from one or morereservoirs 114, through the one or more flow valve assemblies 118, intothe at least a portion of the circulation network. For example, in anembodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes an x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120 associated with at least the firstflow valve assembly 108 a and the second flow valve assembly 118 b andconfigured to selectively actuate the first or the second flow valveassembly 118 b to regulate fluid flow of a defined quantity of at leastone of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition or the second x-rayshielding fluid composition from the reservoir, through at least one ofthe first flow valve or the second flow valve, into the at least aportion of the first flow path or the second flow path.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes, among other things, one or more computing devices 122 such asa processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), adigital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, orany combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120 includes one or more computingdevices 122 operably couple to at least one of an x-ray shielding fluidcomposition pump assembly 116 or a flow valve assembly 118 andconfigured to actuate at least one of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition pump assembly 116 or the flow valve assembly 118.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes one or more computing devices 122 operably couple to at leastone flow valve assembly 118 and is configured to actuate the flow valveassembly 118 between an open state which permits fluid flow through theflow valve assembly 118 such that an x-ray shielding fluid compositionflows from the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 along atleast a portion of a flow path, and a restrict state which restrictsfluid flow through the flow valve assembly 118. In an embodiment, thex-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 includes discrete digital oranalog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In anembodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 includes oneor more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In anembodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 includes oneor more FPGA having a plurality of programmable logic components.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes one or more components operably coupled (e.g., communicatively,electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically,inductively, electrically, capacitively coupled, or the like) to eachother. In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes one or more remotely located components. In an embodiment,remotely located components are operably coupled via wirelesscommunication. In an embodiment, remotely located components areoperably coupled via one or more receivers 182, transceivers 184, ortransmitters 186, or the like.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes one or more memory devices 124 that, for example, store flowcontrol instructions or data. Non-limiting examples of one or morememory devices 124 include volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory(RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatilememory (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable ProgrammableRead-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), orthe like), persistent memory, or the like. Further non-limiting examplesof one or more memory devices 124 include Erasable ProgrammableRead-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like. The one or morememory devices 124 can be coupled to, for example, one or more computingdevices 122 by one or more instructions, data, or power buses.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes one or more computer-readable media drives, interface sockets,Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card slots, or the like, andone or more input/output components such as, for example, a graphicaluser interface, a display, a keyboard, a keypad, a trackball, ajoystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, a dial, or the like, andany other peripheral device. In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluidsupply controller 120 includes one or more user input/output componentsthat are operably coupled to at least one computing device 122 tocontrol (electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) atleast one parameter associated with, for example, determining anexposure status of a user in response to one or more transcutaneouslyreceived x-ray radiation stimuli obtained via the implantable radiationsensing device 102.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes a computer-readable media drive or memory slot configured toaccept signal-bearing medium (e.g., computer-readable memory media,computer-readable recording media, or the like). In an embodiment, aprogram for causing a system to execute any of the disclosed methods canbe stored on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium (CRMM),a signal-bearing medium, or the like. Non-limiting examples ofsignal-bearing media include a recordable type medium such as a magnetictape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a DigitalVideo Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digital tape, a computer memory, orthe like, as well as transmission type medium such as a digital and/oran analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide,etc.), a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g.,receiver 182, transceiver 184, transmitter 186, transmission logic,reception logic, etc.). Further non-limiting examples of signal-bearingmedia include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD−RW,DVD−R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD−R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD−RW, VideoCompact Discs, Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape,magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, opticaldisk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, or the like.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes circuitry having one or more modules optionally operable forcommunication with one or more input/output components that areconfigured to relay user output and/or input. In an embodiment, a moduleincludes one or more instances of electrical, electromechanical,software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control devices.Such devices include one or more instances of memory 120, computingdevices 122, antennas, power or other supplies, logic modules or othersignaling modules, gauges or other such active or passive detectioncomponents, piezoelectric transducers, shape memory elements,micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) elements, or other actuators.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes anx-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 associated with at least thefirst flow valve assembly 108 a and the second flow valve assembly 118 band configured to selectively actuate the first or the second flow valveassembly 118 b to regulate fluid flow of a defined quantity of at leastone of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition or the second x-rayshielding fluid composition from the reservoir, through at least one ofthe first flow valve or the second flow valve, into the at least aportion of the first flow path or the second flow path. In anembodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 is operableto actuate fluid flow of the first x-ray shielding fluid composition orthe second x-ray shielding fluid, received in the x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly 112, to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoirand along respectively one of the first flow path or the second flowpath.

In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 isoperable to actuate concurrent or sequential fluid flow of the firstx-ray shielding fluid composition or the second x-ray shielding fluid,received in the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112, to or fromthe x-ray shielding agent reservoir and along respectively one of thefirst flow path or the second flow path. In an embodiment, then x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120 includes control logic 149arranged to determine an actuate flow condition and to actuate the flowof the first x-ray shielding fluid composition or the second x-rayshielding fluid, received in the x-ray shielding fluid reservoirassembly 112, to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir and alongrespectively one of the first flow path or the second flow path,responsive to the actuate flow condition.

In an embodiment, then x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120includes control logic 149 arranged to determine an actuate flowcondition and to actuate the flow of the first x-ray shielding fluidcomposition or the second x-ray shielding fluid, received in the x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly 112, to or from the x-ray shieldingagent reservoir and along respectively one of the first flow path or thesecond flow path, responsive to at least one of an authorizationprotocol, an authentication protocol, or an activation protocol. In anembodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 includes aspeech recognition module 123 that causes the x-ray shielding fluidsupply controller 120 to modulate the flow of the first x-ray shieldingfluid composition or the second x-ray shielding fluid, received in thex-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112, to or from the x-rayshielding agent reservoir 114 and along respective one of the first flowpath or the second flow path 210, responsive to one or more audioinputs.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes apower source 150 including at least one of a thermoelectric generator152, a piezoelectric generator 154, a microelectromechanical systemgenerator 156, or a biomechanical-energy harvesting generator 158. In anembodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes a powersource 150 electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically,inductively, electrically, or capacitively coupled to the x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120. In an embodiment, the dynamicx-ray shielding system 100 includes an energy transfer system 160electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically,inductively, electrically, or capacitively coupled to the x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes one ormore x-ray radiation sensor devices 170. In an embodiment, the one ormore x-radiation sensing devices 170 are operable to detect (e.g.,assess, calculate, evaluate, determine, gauge, measure, monitor,quantify, resolve, sense, or the like) an incident x-ray radiation. Inan embodiment, during operation, the x-ray radiation sensor devices 170detects at least one of an actual or a potential exposure event andalerts the dynamic x-ray shielding devices 102, or the x-ray shieldingfluid supply controller 120, to check whether the dynamic x-rayshielding devices 102 is activated or functional to shield or protectthe user. In an embodiment, during operation, the x-ray radiation sensordevices 170 detects at least one of an actual or a potential exposureevent and alerts the dynamic x-ray shielding devices 102, or the x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120, to activate the flow of the x-rayshielding fluid composition to or from the one or more x-ray shieldingfluid reservoirs and along one or more of the plurality ofinterconnected interstitial spaces.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding devices 102 includes oneor more an x-ray radiation sensor devices 170 operably coupled to thex-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120. In an embodiment, theradiation sensing device 170 is operable to detect at least onecharacteristic (e.g., a fundamental characteristic, a spectralcharacteristic, a spectral signature, a physical quantity, an absorptioncoefficient, or the like) associated with an x-ray radiation exposureevent.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 includes one ormore x-ray radiation sensor devices 170 disposed on a user-side of thefirst layer that acquire at least a portion of penetrating x-rayradiation stimulus and transduce the penetrating x-ray radiationstimulus acquired by the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 into at leastone measurand indicative of an x-rayflux throughput during anintegration period of the one or more x-ray radiation sensor devices170. Non-limiting examples of x-ray radiation sensor devices 170 includescintillators 172 (e.g., inorganic scintillators, thallium doped cesiumiodide scintillators, scintillator-photodiode pairs, scintillationdetection devices, etc.), dosimeters 174 (e.g., x-ray dosimeters,thermoluminescent dosimeters, etc.), optically stimulated luminescencedetectors, photodiode arrays, charge-coupled devices (CCDs) 176,complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices 178, or the like.In an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 includes one ormore x-ray radiation fluoroscopic elements. In an embodiment, the x-rayradiation sensor device 170 includes one or more phosphorus dopedelements (e.g., ZnCdS:Ag phosphorus doped elements). In an embodiment,the x-ray radiation sensor device includes one or more amorphous siliconthin-film transistor arrays. In an embodiment, the x-ray radiationsensor device includes one or more phosphors.

In an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 includes one ormore transducers 175 that detect and convert x-rays into electronicsignals. For example, in an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensordevice 170 includes one or more x-ray radiation scintillation crystals.In an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 includes one ormore thallium doped cesium iodide crystals (e.g., cesium iodide crystalsdoped with thallium CsI(Tl)). In an embodiment, during operation, thex-ray radiation sensor device's 170 computing device 122 processes theelectronic signals generated by the one or more transducers 175 todetermine one or more of intensity, energy, time of exposure, date ofexposure, exposure duration, rate of energy deposition, depth of energydeposition, or the like associated with each x-ray detected. In anembodiment, during operation, incident x-ray radiation interacts withone or more detector crystalline materials (e.g., cadmium zinctelluride, etc.) within the x-ray radiation sensor device 170, whichresults in the generation of a current indicative of, for example, theenergy of the incident x-ray radiation.

In an embodiment, the radiation sensing device 170 includes circuitry173 configured to, for example, detect x-ray radiation, determineexposure information based on one or more measurands, or the like. Forexample, in an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device 170includes at least one computing device 122 operably coupled to one ormore sensors 171 that measure at least one of intensity data, energy,exposure time, rate of energy deposition, or depth of energy depositionassociated with an x-ray radiation stimulus. In an embodiment, the x-rayradiation sensor device 170 includes at least one of a photodiode array,a scintillator, a thermoluminescent dosimeter, an x-ray radiationfluoroscopic element, or an amorphous silicon thin-film transistor array(e.g., amorphous silicon, thin-film transistor, active matrix array,etc.) operably coupled to at least one computing device 122.

In an embodiment, at least one of the x-ray radiation sensor devices 170is configured to detect an x-ray radiation stimulus associated with anx-ray radiation-emitting system 146 (e.g., a medical systems, a cabinetx-ray system, closed x-ray systems, x-ray inspection systems, x-rayscreening systems, x-ray security systems, baggage x-ray systems, etc.)and to generate at least one measurand indicative of an x-ray radiationexposure event during an integration period of the x-ray radiationsensor device 170. For example, during operation, in an embodiment, thex-ray radiation sensor devices 170 associated with a dynamic x-rayshielding device 102 alerts the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 ofthe actual or prospective x-ray exposure event. In response, in anembodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 (via one or more x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120) activates the flow of an x-rayshielding fluid composition to one or more region of dynamic x-rayshielding device 102 to provide x-ray shielding and protection.

In an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 includes one ormore pixels that acquire at least a portion of an x-ray radiationstimulus and transduces the x-ray radiation stimulus acquired by thex-ray radiation sensor device 170 into at least one measurand indicativeof an x-ray radiation exposure during an integration period of the x-rayradiation sensor device 170. In an embodiment, the x-ray radiationsensor device 170 includes at least one charge-coupled device 176,complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device 178, or a scintillationdetection device. In an embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device170 includes at least one of a photodiode array, a scintillator 172, athermoluminescent dosimeter, an x-ray radiation fluoroscopic element, oran amorphous silicon thin-film transistor array. In an embodiment, thex-ray radiation sensor device 170 includes at least one computing device122 operably coupled to one or more sensors 171 configured to acquire atleast one of intensity data, x-ray energy, exposure time, rate of energydeposition, or depth of energy deposition associated with the x-rayradiation stimulus.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding system 100 includes anx-ray radiation sensor device 170 operable to detect at least one x-rayradiation exposure event. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shieldingsystem 100 an x-ray radiation sensor device 170 operable to determine anx-ray shielding status of the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102 bydetecting the presence or absence of x-ray shielding fluid compositionwithin one or more regions of the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102. Inan embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 actuatesat least one of a pump assembly 116 or a flow valve assembly 118 toactuate fluid flow of an x-ray shielding fluid composition, received inthe one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114, to or from the oneor more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs 114 and along one or more ofthe plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces 110 responsive to anoutput from the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 indicative of thex-ray radiation exposure event, a lack of x-ray shielding fluidcomposition in a region of the dynamic x-ray shielding device 102, theincorrect shield agent, or the like.

FIG. 5 shows a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 in which one or moremethodologies or technologies can be implemented such as, for example,detecting an x-ray radiation stimulus, providing x-ray shielding,providing x-ray radiation protection, or the like. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes an x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly 112 including a plurality of reservoirs 114configured to store and supply at least a first x-ray shielding fluidcomposition and a second x-ray shielding fluid composition. In anembodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes at least afirst layer 202 including a first flow path in fluid communication withthe x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 and configured toreceive the first x-ray shielding fluid composition.

In an embodiment, the first flow path includes first flow valve assembly118 a selectively actuatable between an open state which permits fluidflow through the first flow valve assembly 118 a such that the firstx-ray shielding fluid composition flows from the x-ray shielding fluidreservoir assembly along at least a portion of the first flow path, anda restrict state which restricts fluid flow through the first flow valveassembly 118 a. In an embodiment, the first layer 202 includes an x-raysource side and a user protection side, and wherein the x-ray radiationsensor device 170 is located on the x-ray source of the first layer 202so as to determine an incident x-ray flux. In an embodiment, the firstlayer 202 includes an x-ray source side and a user protection side. Inan embodiment, the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 is located on theuser protection side so as to determine an x-ray flux through thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104.

In an embodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes asecond layer 206 including a second flow path in fluid communicationwith the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 and configured toreceive the second x-ray shielding fluid composition, the second flowpath including a second flow valve assembly 118 b selectively actuatablebetween an open state which permits fluid flow through the second flowvalve assembly 118 b such that the second x-ray shielding fluidcomposition flows from the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112along at least a portion of the first flow path, and a restrict statewhich restricts fluid flow through the second flow valve assembly 118 b.

In an embodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes one ormore x-ray radiation sensor devices 170 disposed on an x-ray source-sideof the first layer 202 that acquire at least a portion of an incidentx-ray radiation stimulus and transduce the incident x-ray radiationstimulus acquired by the x-ray radiation sensor device 170 into at leastone measurand indicative of an incident x-rayflux during an integrationperiod of the one or more x-ray radiation sensor devices 170. In anembodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes one or morex-ray radiation sensor devices 170 disposed on an x-ray source-side ofthe first layer 202 that detect an incident x-ray stimulus, and one ormore x-ray radiation sensor devices 170 disposed on user-side of thefirst layer 202 that detect a transmitted x-ray stimulus. In anembodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes at least onecomputing device 122 that generates one or more parameters associatedwith a comparison between an incident x-ray stimulus and a transmittedx-ray stimulus.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes oneor more sensors 171 to determine a presence of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition within one or more sites within the circulation network. Inan embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes one ormore sensors 171 to determine a presence of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition within one or more locations within the dynamic x-rayshielding garment. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment104 includes one or more sensors 171 to determine a presence of thex-ray shielding fluid composition within one or more of the plurality ofinterconnected interstitial spaces 110.

In an embodiment, a dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes anx-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 includes control logic 149arranged to determine an actuate flow condition and to actuate the flowof the x-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-ray shieldingfluid reservoir assembly 112, and along one or more of the plurality ofinterconnected interstitial spaces 110, responsive to the actuate flowcondition. In an embodiment, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller120 actuates the flow of the x-ray shielding fluid composition to orfrom the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112, and along one ormore of the plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces 110,responsive to at least one of an authorization protocol, anauthentication protocol, or an activation protocol. In an embodiment,the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 includes a speechrecognition module 123 that causes the x-ray shielding fluid supplycontroller 120 to modulate the flow of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition to or from the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 112,and along one or more of the plurality of interconnected interstitialspaces 110, responsive to one or more audio inputs. In an embodiment,during operation, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120receives an input from the speech recognition module 123 associated witha verbal command to actuate flow to the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition. Responsive to the input from the speech recognition module123, the x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 actuates at leastone pump assembly 116 or flow valve assembly 118 to initiate the supplyof x-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-ray shieldingfluid reservoir assembly 112, and along a circulation network within thedynamic x-ray shielding device 102.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes apower source 150 including at least one battery. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes a power source 150 wired,or wireless coupled, to an external source. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes a power source 150including at least one of a thermoelectric generator, a piezoelectricgenerator, a microelectromechanical system generator, or abiomechanical-energy harvesting generator. In an embodiment, the dynamicx-ray shielding garment 104 includes a power source 150electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically,inductively, electrically, or capacitively coupled to the x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120. In an embodiment, the dynamicx-ray shielding garment 104 includes an energy transfer system 160electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically,inductively, electrically, or capacitively coupled to the x-rayshielding fluid supply controller 120.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes apump assembly 116 including one or more pumps 117 that circulate thex-ray shielding fluid composition within at least a portion of thecirculation network (mechanical, magnetic, etc.) For example, in anembodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes an x-rayshielding fluid composition pump assembly 116 that is in fluidcommunication with at least one of the x-ray shielding fluid reservoirassembly 112 or the circulation network that supplies and circulates thex-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-ray shielding agentreservoir assembly 112, and along one or more regions within thecirculation network. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shieldinggarment 104 includes one or more pumps 117 that employ magnetic forceson magnetic components of the x-ray shielding fluid composition tocirculate the x-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-rayshielding agent reservoir assembly 112, and along one or more regionswithin the circulation network.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes oneor more valves 119 to selectively direct flow of the x-ray shieldingfluid composition to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir 114. Inan embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes one ormore valves 119 to selectively direct flow of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition within the circulation network. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes at least a second x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 including one or more x-rayshielding fluid reservoirs 114.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes anx-ray shielding status reporter device 180 including one or morereceivers 182, transceivers 184, or transmitters 186 that generate anoutput indicative of at least one of an x-ray shielding fluidcomposition presence within one or more regions of the plurality ofinterconnected interstitial spaces. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-rayshielding garment 104 includes an x-ray shielding status reporter device180 including one or more receivers 182, transceivers 184, ortransmitters 186 that generate an output indicative of x-ray sensorvalue. In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104includes an x-ray shielding status reporter device 180 including one ormore receivers 182, transceivers 184, or transmitters 186 that generatean output indicative of an authorization to x-ray source to irradiate.In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes anx-ray shielding status reporter device 180 including one or morereceivers 182, transceivers 184, or transmitters 186 that generate anoutput indicative of authorization to x-ray source spectrum orintensity.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes anx-ray shielding status reporter device 180 including an irradiationauthorization component 188 that generates one or more cryptographickeys that provide authorization to the external x-ray radiation-emittingsystem 146 to initiate x-ray radiation delivery. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes an x-ray shielding statusreporter device 180 including an irradiation authorization component 188that generates one or more cryptographic keys that provide authorizationto the external x-ray radiation-emitting system 146 to initiate aspectrum-specific x-ray dose regimen. In an embodiment, the dynamicx-ray shielding garment 104 includes an x-ray shielding status reporterdevice 180 including an irradiation authorization component 188 thatgenerates one or more cryptographic keys that provide authorization tothe external x-ray radiation-emitting system 146 to initiate anintensity-specific x-ray dose regimen.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes fluidsupply controller 120 having one or more computing devices 122, operablycoupled to one or more pump assemblies 116 including one or more pumps117, that manage fluid flow of an x-ray shielding fluid composition toor from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir assembly 112, and along oneor more of the plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces. In anembodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes an x-rayshielding status reporter device 180 that receives x-ray potentialexposure event data associated with delivery of an x-ray radiationstimulus from an x-ray radiation-emitting system 146. In an embodiment,the x-ray shielding status reporter device 180 is operably coupled toone or more x-ray shielding fluid supply controllers 120 that directfluid flow of an x-ray shielding fluid composition received in an x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly associated with a dynamic x-rayshielding garment, to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir, andalong one or more of a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaceswithin the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104, responsive to an outputsignal from the x-ray shielding status reporter device 180.

In an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes fluidsupply controller 120 is configured to manage fluid flow of agravity-fed x-ray shielding fluid composition to or from the x-rayshielding agent reservoir assembly 112, and along one or more of theplurality of interconnected interstitial spaces. In an embodiment, thedynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes fluid supply controller 120is configured to manage fluid flow of a pressure-fed x-ray shieldingfluid composition to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoirassembly 112, and along one or more of the plurality of interconnectedinterstitial spaces.

FIG. 5 shows a dynamic x-ray shielding method 500. At 510, the dynamicx-ray shielding method 500 includes receiving x-ray potential exposureevent data associated with delivery of an x-ray radiation stimulus froman x-ray radiation-emitting system 146. For example, in an embodiment,the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104 includes an x-ray shieldingstatus reporter device 180 having one or more receivers 182,transceivers 184, or transmitters 186 that receiving x-ray potentialexposure event data associated with delivery of an x-ray radiationstimulus from an x-ray radiation-emitting system 146.

At 512, receiving the potential x-ray exposure event data includesinitiating a data transmission transfer between a dynamic x-rayshielding device and an x-ray radiation-emitting system 146. At 514,receiving the potential x-ray exposure event data includes initiating adata transmission transfer between a dynamic x-ray shielding device andan x-ray radiation-emitting system 146 based on the identification ofthe x-ray radiation sensing device 170. At 516, receiving the potentialx-ray exposure event data includes telemetrically receiving, via one ormore receivers 182, transceivers 184, or transmitters 186, proposed dosedata, time to exposure data, time to exposure data, or duration ofexposure data. At 518, receiving the potential x-ray exposure event dataincludes wirelessly receiving at least one of radiation intensity data,radiation energy data, radiation exposure time data, rate of radiationenergy deposition, depth of radiation energy deposition data, absorbeddose data, absorbed dose rate data, committed effective dose data,cumulative dose data, effective dose data, equivalent dose data, orexposure data associated with the potential x-ray exposure event.

At 520, the dynamic x-ray shielding method 500 includes directing fluidflow of an x-ray shielding fluid composition received in an x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly 112 associated with a dynamic x-rayshielding garment, to or from the x-ray shielding agent reservoir, andalong one or more of a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces110 within the dynamic x-ray shielding garment, responsive to the x-raypotential exposure event data.

For example, in an embodiment, the dynamic x-ray shielding garmentincludes 104 an x-ray shielding fluid supply controller 120 that isoperable to directing fluid flow of an x-ray shielding fluid compositionreceived in the x-ray shielding fluid reservoir assembly 116 associatedwith the dynamic x-ray shielding garment 104, to or from the one or morex-ray shielding agent reservoirs 117, and along one or more of aplurality of interconnected interstitial spaces 110 within the dynamicx-ray shielding garment, responsive to the x-ray potential exposureevent data.

At 522, directing the fluid flow of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition includes directing a flow sufficient of the x-ray shieldingfluid composition to modulate at least one of a penetration depth,intensity, or energy associated with the x-ray radiation stimulus. At524, directing the fluid flow of the x-ray shielding fluid compositionincludes directing a flow sufficient of the x-ray shielding fluidcomposition to cause at least a portion of the dynamic x-ray shieldinggarment to have an x-ray shielding lead equivalence of about 0.25millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters. At 526, directing the fluid flowof the x-ray shielding fluid composition includes directing a flowsufficient of the x-ray shielding fluid composition to cause at least aportion of the dynamic x-ray shielding garment to have an x-rayshielding lead equivalence of greater than about 0.25 millimeters.

FIG. 6 shows an x-ray shielding method 600. At 610, the x-ray shieldingmethod 600 includes actuating fluid flow of an x-ray shielding fluidcomposition received in one or more x-ray shielding fluid reservoirsassociated with a dynamic x-ray shielding garment, to or from the x-rayshielding agent reservoir, and along one or more of a plurality ofinterconnected interstitial spaces 110 within the dynamic x-rayshielding garment responsive to a determination that an x-rayradiation-emitting system 146 is in operation. At 620, the x-rayshielding method 600 includes actuating fluid flow of an x-ray shieldingfluid composition received in one or more x-ray shielding fluidreservoirs associated with a dynamic x-ray shielding garment, to or fromthe x-ray shielding agent reservoir, and along one or more of aplurality of interconnected interstitial spaces 110 within the dynamicx-ray shielding garment responsive to an input associated with apotential delivery of an x-ray radiation stimulus from an x-rayradiation-emitting system 146. At 630, the x-ray shielding method 600includes receiving x-ray potential exposure event data associated withdelivery of an x-ray radiation stimulus from an x-ray radiation-emittingsystem 146. At 640, the x-ray shielding method 600 includes concurrentor sequential actuating fluid flow of a first x-ray shielding fluidcomposition or the second x-ray shielding fluid, received in an x-rayshielding fluid reservoir assembly 112, to or from the x-ray shieldingagent reservoir and along respectively one of a first flow path 204 or asecond flow path 210 of a dynamic x-ray shielding apparatus, responsiveto potential exposure event data indicative of an x-ray potentialexposure event.

FIG. 7 shows a dynamic x-ray shielding method 700. At 710, the dynamicx-ray shielding method 700 includes determining an actuate flowcondition. At 720, the dynamic x-ray shielding method 700 includesconcurrent or sequential actuating fluid flow of a first x-ray shieldingfluid composition or the second x-ray shielding fluid, received in aplurality of x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs, to or from the pluralityof x-ray shielding fluid reservoirs and along respectively one of afirst flow path 204 or a second flow path 210 of a dynamic x-rayshielding apparatus, responsive to the actuate flow condition.

At least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein canbe integrated into a data processing system. A data processing systemgenerally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video displaydevice, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors suchas microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entitiessuch as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, andapplications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touchpad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control systems includingfeedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for detecting positionand/or velocity, control motors for moving and/or adjusting componentsand/or quantities). A data processing system can be implementedutilizing suitable commercially available components, such as thosetypically found in data computing/communication and/or networkcomputing/communication systems.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware in one or more machines or articles of manufacture), and thatthe preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processesand/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, ifan implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle;alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt fora mainly software implementation that is implemented in one or moremachines or articles of manufacture; or, yet again alternatively, theimplementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/orfirmware in one or more machines or articles of manufacture. Hence,there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/ordevices and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, noneof which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to beutilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehiclewill be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, orpredictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilledin the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations willtypically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmwarein one or more machines or articles of manufacture.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely examples, and that in fact, many other architectures can beimplemented that achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably coupleable,” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably coupleable include, but arenot limited to, physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelesslyinteracting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logicallyinteractable components.

In an embodiment, one or more components may be referred to herein as“configured to,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,”“adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Suchterms (e.g., “configured to”) can generally encompass active-statecomponents and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-statecomponents, unless context requires otherwise.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by the reader that each function and/or operation within suchblock diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware inone or more machines or articles of manufacture, or virtually anycombination thereof. Further, the use of “Start,” “End,” or “Stop”blocks in the block diagrams is not intended to indicate a limitation onthe beginning or end of any functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts ordiagrams may be incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams whereadditional functions are performed before or after the functions shownin the diagrams of this application. In an embodiment, several portionsof the subject matter described herein is implemented via ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats.However, some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole orin part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as oneor more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as oneor more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one ormore programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitryand/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be wellwithin the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.In addition, the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein arecapable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms,and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter describedherein applies regardless of the particular type of signal-bearingmedium used to actually carry out the distribution. Non-limitingexamples of a signal-bearing medium include the following: a recordabletype medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc(CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory,etc., and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter,receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to the reader that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the subject matter described herein and itsbroader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompasswithin their scope all such changes and modifications as are within thetrue spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). Further, if a specific number of an introducedclaim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recitedin the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent ispresent. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appendedclaims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and“one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of suchphrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of aclaim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits anyparticular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claimscontaining only one such recitation, even when the same claim includesthe introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinitearticles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically beinterpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holdstrue for the use of definite articles used to introduce claimrecitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introducedclaim recitation is explicitly recited, such recitation should typicallybe interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense of the convention (e.g., “a system having atleast one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systemsthat have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instanceswhere a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” isused, in general such a construction is intended in the sense of theconvention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). Typically a disjunctive word and/or phrasepresenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate thepossibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, the operations recited thereingenerally may be performed in any order. Also, although variousoperational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should beunderstood that the various operations may be performed in orders otherthan those that are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.Examples of such alternate orderings includes overlapping, interleaved,interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental,simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless contextdictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “relatedto,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended toexclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims.

1-178. (canceled)
 179. An x-ray shielding fluid composition, comprising:a carrier fluid; and a first plurality of x-ray shielding particlesdisposed in the carrier fluid, each x-ray shielding particle having atleast a first x-ray shielding agent and a second x-ray shielding agent,the second x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the first x-ray shielding agent.
 180. The x-ray shieldingfluid composition of claim 179, the first plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles further comprising a third x-ray shielding agent having one ormore absorption edges different from the second x-ray shielding agentand the first x-ray shielding agent.
 181. The x-ray shielding fluidcomposition of claim 180, the first plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles further comprising a fourth x-ray shielding agent having oneor more absorption edges different from the third x-ray shielding agent,the second x-ray shielding agent, and the first x-ray shielding agent.182. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim 181, the pluralityof x-ray shielding particles further comprising a fifth x-ray shieldingagent having one or more absorption edges different from the fourthx-ray shielding agent, the third x-ray shielding agent, the second x-rayshielding agent, and the first x-ray shielding agent.
 183. The x-rayshielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein the second x-rayshielding agent includes an x-ray mass attenuation coefficient differentfrom the first x-ray shielding agent.
 184. The x-ray shielding fluidcomposition of claim 179, wherein the second x-ray shielding agentincludes at least one k-edge having an energy level lower than at leastone k-edge of the first x-ray shielding agent.
 185. The x-ray shieldingfluid composition of claim 179, wherein the second x-ray shielding agentincludes at least one k-edge or l-edge corresponding to an x-ray energyabsorption minimum of the first x-ray shielding agent.
 186. The x-rayshielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein each of the firstplurality of x-ray shielding particles includes a plurality of elementaldopants within a material matrix.
 187. The x-ray shielding fluidcomposition of claim 179, wherein each of the first plurality of x-rayshielding particles includes a plurality of dopants within a materialmatrix, the plurality of dopants forming the second x-ray shieldingagent.
 188. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim 179, furthercomprising a second plurality of x-ray shielding particles disposed inthe carrier fluid, each of the second plurality of x-ray shieldingparticles including at least a third x-ray shielding agent having one ormore absorption edges different from the second x-ray shielding agentand the first x-ray shielding agent.
 189. The x-ray shielding fluidcomposition of claim 179, wherein at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent and the second x-ray shielding agent includes at leastone material that absorbs x-rays at one or more frequencies andfluoresce x-rays at one or more lower frequencies.
 190. The x-rayshielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein at least one of thefirst x-ray shielding agent and the second x-ray shielding agentincludes one or more SiO₂—PbO-alkali metal oxide glasses, CaO—SrO—B₂O₃glasses, or boron-lithium glasses.
 191. The x-ray shielding fluidcomposition of claim 179, wherein at least one of the first x-rayshielding agent and the second x-ray shielding agent includes boratedhigh density polyethylene.
 192. The x-ray shielding fluid composition ofclaim 179, wherein at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent andthe second x-ray shielding agent includes at least one of C₁₀H₈O₄,C₈H₇Cl, C₈H₈, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate(C₁₆H₁₄O₃), polyethylene, or ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene.193. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein atleast one of the first x-ray shielding agent and the second x-rayshielding agent includes silicon nitride (Si₃N₄).
 194. The x-rayshielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein the carrier fluidincludes a fluid material having one or more x-ray absorption edges.195. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein thecarrier fluid includes a fluid material having one or more x-rayabsorption edges different from the second x-ray shielding agent and thefirst x-ray shielding agent.
 196. The x-ray shielding fluid compositionof claim 179, further comprising one or more anti-flocculant agents.197. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim 179, wherein atleast some of the plurality of x-ray shielding particles are coated withan anti-flocculant coating.
 198. An x-ray shielding fluid composition,comprising: a carrier fluid; and at least a first x-ray shielding agentand a second x-ray shielding agent disposed in the carrier fluid, thesecond x-ray shielding agent having one or more absorption edgesdifferent from the first x-ray shielding agent.
 199. The x-ray shieldingfluid composition of claim 198, wherein the second x-ray shielding agentincludes an x-ray mass attenuation coefficient different from the firstx-ray shielding agent.
 200. The x-ray shielding fluid composition ofclaim 198, wherein the second x-ray shielding agent includes at leastone k-edge having an energy level lower than at least one k-edge of thefirst x-ray shielding agent.
 201. The x-ray shielding fluid compositionof claim 198, wherein at least one of the first x-ray shielding agent orthe second x-ray shielding agent includes at least one of lead (Pb),lithium fluoride (LiF), tantalum (Ta), or tungsten (W).
 202. The x-rayshielding fluid composition of claim 198, wherein at least one of thefirst x-ray shielding agent and the second x-ray shielding agentincludes C₂F₄.
 203. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim 198,wherein the carrier fluid includes a gas carrier.
 204. The x-rayshielding fluid composition of claim 198, wherein the carrier fluidincludes an aerosol.
 205. The x-ray shielding fluid composition of claim198, wherein the carrier fluid includes two or more immiscible liquids.